Batang Pinoy finals unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines - Over 5,000 athletes together with their coaches and officials will be out today for a meaningful and memorable opening ceremonies of the 2015 Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy Championships at the Cebu City Sports Center. The program promptly starts at 4:30 p.m. with the traditional parade of athletes along Osmeña Boulevard.

The delegates and guests will be ushered in by a special sing, dance and exhibition numbers from Sinulog idols, the Philippine Taekwondo Association-Cebu Chapter and the world-renowed Dancesport-Team Cebu City.

As soon as everything is already in place, five-time Sinulog Festival champion Lumad Basakanon will lead the athletes for their formal introduction at the centerfield.

Danielle Mae Ozaraga, multi-medallist in this year's World Center of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States, will do the doxology followed by the welcome messages from Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide Jr. and the Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo "Richie" Garcia.

The torch relay and lighting of the urn is also expected to be a "sentimental" one as the country's marathon queen, Mary Joy Tabal, will be accompanied by the pool of runners under their grassroots program in Barangay Guba.

Tabal's lighting of the urn will not only be a symbol of unity and friendship, but of hope to thousands of young Pinoy athletes to be the best in their field.

PTA regional chairman and CCSC commissioner Tony del Prado, TATAP official and Cebu Province commissioner Jessica Jawad-Honoridez and Team Cebu City's Dineson Caneda  will lead the oath of technical officials, coaches and sportsmanship among athletes, respectively.

POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuanco, Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, the forerunner of the Batang Pinoy, actor and sportsman Richard Gomez as well as other provincial and local government officials are also expected to grace the event.

A grand fireworks display will be showcased, while some 5,000 students from the Abellana National School and other performers will render a special number to close of the grandiose rites.

Action will go full blast tomorrow yet. Aside from Cebu City, games will also be held in the cities of Mandaue and Danao City. (FREEMAN)